Hey, is that the design you thought of yesterday?
Whoa! Please don't scare me like that.
What? I would buy it.
I like what you did.
Th-Thank you very much.
Actually, I'm proud of what I did here.
Cool.
Huh?
I bet Miss Sara would like it, too.
Hey, Chiyuki.
When did you become so close with the bean sprouts guy?
Bean sprouts...?
Ah, you mean Ikuto!
Ikuto...?
Do we seem that close?
Well, I guess we are close.
We are... But I wouldn't call us friends.
Oh...
I actually respect Ikuto quite a bit.
What?
I'm dead serious about becoming a hypermodel.
If something's not relevant to modeling, I cut it out of my life.
But... Ikuto's not like that.
He never abandons anything. He takes care of it all.
"Ichika" He's had his dream longer than I've had mine.
But it's not because he's not putting in enough effort.
He's got the determination to find the right balance without abandoning anything.
That's something I don't have.
It's impressive, and I respect him for it,
but I also see him as a rival.
That's why... Ikuto...
...you have to win.
Or else, you won't be able to prove your efforts.
"Smile Down the Runway"
"Episode 6: Superiority and Inferiority" Time's up!
"Episode 6: Superiority and Inferiority" Let's move on to the evaluations.
I... did it...
You're... a high school student?
Oh... Yes...
Kaoru Kizaki.
Ah.
You're up first.
Now that it's time to evaluate, let me introduce our judges.
First, our principal, Shoko Takaoka.
Good evening!
And also...
...the faculty in charge, which is me. And...
...three fellow competitors in this room, a total of five judges.
The first three are Tsumura, Kato, and Yajima.
Come on up front.
We're... the judges?!
Excuse me.
I'd rather not be evaluated by someone with inferior skills than me.
Oh my, he hasn't shown up yet?!
Huh? Who's "he"?
Hey there.
You got me worried, Toh!
Kaoru, do you have any objections now?
Oh... No.
"An amazing outfit for Sara"
When you're presenting, start off with your design's concept.
Yes.
My concept is... "Unbalance."
What stood out to me most when researching Sara was how different she is on TV
compared to when she is modeling.
While cool and reserved, she's also warm and lovable.
I wanted to portray that by juxtaposing leather and lace.
Yajima, critique her.
What?! I'm first?
Yeah, we don't have all day here.
Well, the concept is interesting, but I think it looks a bit lame...
Here we go.
The preliminaries are all about roasting each other after all.
--They exaggerate every flaw they can find.
--I think it's a great design. --They exaggerate every flaw they can find.
Um... Will you show us the backside?
See? Isn't it elegant?
The lace on the back tones down the ruggedness of the leather.
Who does he think he is? He's just a high schooler.
I admire her handling of leather.
What?!
I like it, too.
You were meticulous with your fabric choice, and it would look great on Sara.
Yes!
Next, Ryunosuke Eda.
I don't have a particular concept in mind at all.
As a professional, it's her job to make it look good.
It screams out "tracht" to me.
Ah.
Tracht is a traditional garment of Switzerland, which is part of Sara's background.
It's impressive how he incorporated that in his design.
The design is plain lame.
I recognize all the trends, but they don't work together.
I don't get why it had to be a turtleneck.
Everyone's so harsh.
It's almost my turn...
Next, Ikuto Tsumura.
Yes!
As for the judges...
Excuse me... May I be a judge?
Then, me too!
All right Tsumura. Let's see it.
Yes.
This is what I designed.
Pajamas!
--Huh?!
Pajamas...?
Yes... Pajamas!
Tell me, why pajamas?
Miss Sara said it herself. "Every girl wants to look stylish all the time."
I noticed how she posts her outfits on social media every day.
But there aren't many posts of her wearing lounge wear.
That's why I designed pajamas that would make her excited about posting on social media.
So tell me, what part of that design is stylish?
What? You mean it's not stylish at all...?
Oh, no... How can I convince you that it's stylish...?
U-Um...
You've improved a lot, Ikuto.
In order to achieve this form, you mastered the bias-cut you struggled with before.
I'll start with the critique.
Honestly... I'm disappointed.
Everything about it is half-hearted.
From the positioning of the buttons to the length of the hem...
It's too conservative--it offends me.
It's lame.
Lame...?
Now.
We'll select the participants who will proceed to the next round. But, before that...
We'll give you some time to fix things up.
What?
If you wish to submit your design without a fix-up, meet us at Multipurpose Room A.
What...
...should I do...?
Hey, Ikuto.
I would buy it.
I like what you did there.
"Multipurpose Room A"
Oh, you didn't fix up your lame pajamas?
Who cares. That's his choice.
U-Um...
Thank you very much.
Huh?
I was grateful that time before the preliminaries, too...
Whatever...
Miss Kokoro!
Everyone, thanks for waiting!
The task was to make a stylish outfit for Sara.
Some of you were told your designs were lame.
But actually... There's nothing more subjective about deeming something as stylish or not.
But what's more important for the designer when it comes to making clothes
is whether the design is interesting or not.
Therefore, the true task of this round
was to see whether you were able to believe in your design, even after all the harsh critiques.
Ah!
So, thank you all for your interesting designs!
Congratulations, you all passed the first round!
I... passed...?
But that's not all...
We're about to reveal the top 3 out of 18 participants
who will get to proceed straight to the finals from here.
Or else, why would we be here as judges?
The finals... To participate in the fashion show!
Toh, did Ikuto's design really bother you that much?
No, not at all.
What did you think, Shoko?
Sara adores stripes, you know?
So if he knew that, he possesses
something great that allows him to really tailor the design to the client's taste.
Yes!
I lost... after all...
Mr. Ikuto! Congratulations on making top three!
It's true...
I never expected to be ranked so high.
I don't understand! Why am I ranked lower than this kid?!
Oh...
It's rather simple.
Your process wasn't suited for women's clothing.
It's fine to challenge yourself with an unfamiliar category...
But if that were the case, you should've done your homework.
Damn it...
--Hey. --Huh?
He left without getting any information on the second round.
What a shame. He's got great potential.
Well, I'll be staying for the information session. Have a great evening.
"Geika Fashion School"
"Calling... Chiyuki Fujito"
She's not picking up.
Hey, you're still here.
Oh... Um...
I wanted to wait for Miss Kokoro.
Tell me, Ikuto. Are you satisfied with the preliminary's results?
I'm not really sure...
I don't think I am satisfied.
But...
You made a crucial mistake. Why didn't you spend all of your budget?
What? How could you tell?
I could tell right away just by looking at the fabric.
So it's no wonder you lost this time.
You've got it all wrong!
Even so,
it's still not acceptable.
You prioritized personal reasons over achieving the finest quality design possible,
which is an insincere act as a designer.
I'll say it loud and clear.
You failed today because you were stingy with the fabric. No matter the reason,
it shouldn't affect the client, ever.
But I had no choice...
That money belonged to my sisters...
I'm the first-born son! If I need to use my sisters' money... I...
I admire how you didn't finish that thought...
Sorry, I didn't mean to lecture you.
But Ikuto...
You're going to have to make full-size outfits for the finals. You'll need more money.
Oh...
You're not making enough working at Hajime's, right?
Then...
Why don't you come work for me?
What...?
Not for Mai Ayano's brand. I mean, for my brand.
Smile Down the Runway.
"Geika Fashion School" What?! You're launching your own brand?!
"Geika Fashion School" That's right! Pretty soon, now.
That's amazing.
But what about Aphro I Dite...?
I'm going to quit.
I'm allowed to become independent once my grandmother approves of my abilities.
Oh...
I've lived my life for this moment.
I need more money for the finals.
Um... Then... May I please work for you...?
He's not picking up.
Ouch.
Here. That's all the application forms for the magazines you requested.
I appreciate it, Shizuku.
Oh, no...
Can I cheat my height just a little... Like 2 cm?
Forget it, they'll catch you.
I can't even be a fashion magazine model... Oh, Paris Fashion Week...
How pathetic.
Ugh...
"Remaining Balance: 450,789 Yen"
Chiyuki, are you really going to Paris?
"Remaining Balance: 450,789 Yen" I am.
Jeez... So how long did it take you to save that much?
It took... two years.
You're going to waste those two years in an instant.
It's not a waste-- Could you not be all negative in front of me?!
Sure... Do what you want.
Anyway, I'm going to apply to as many magazines as possible.
All right! Let's start with updating my comp card and portfolio!
Shizuku, do you think Miwa is busy this month...?
Oh... She's gone.
I'm here.
Whoa!
If you're making a portfolio,
could you be this girl's mentor?
My name is Haruka Sudo, and I'm working for Mille Neige starting today!
It's an honor to meet you.
A newcomer?
A newcomer. She's a year younger than you.
How adorable. It's great to meet you.
Oh, please...!
You're infinite times more adorable, Miss Chiyuki!
Shoot, I already exposed my fangirl self.
A fangirl...? I was never that well-known for my work.
But you are!
When I was in elementary school, I used to read magazines with you on the cover!
I've been a huge fan ever since!
I see.
I used to be in more demand, back then.
Then, let's start with the workflow process.
Basically, models have to find work for themselves.
You fill out applications, get accepted to audition, then pass the audition to get the job.
To do that, you need to create your comp card and portfolio.
There she is! How's it going, Chi?
Miwa! Thanks for squeezing me in!
So, how should we do this today?
A comp card is basically a promo photo to include with your application paperwork.
A portfolio is a stock of photos needed for you to pass your audition.
You gather together photos with different looks to sell yourself as the best model.
Unfortunately, this all comes out of your own pocket.
Nice... All right, next!
What should I wear...?
This one!
Oh?
Another unique one.
Not bad, right?
At that time...
I used to put on airs, lie, and cause all sorts of trouble.
Where did that outfit come from?
But things are different now. I want everyone to see Ikuto's work!
My friend made it for me.
Oh, my...
What a lovely face...
Rejected by every single one!
Then... I'll just have to call them directly!
I just have to keep doing everything I can.
Oh...
Hello, this is Niinuma of MODE JAPAN.
Hello, my name is Chiyuki Fujito, a model from Mille Neige.
I'm wondering if I can send over my portfolio for you to review.
"Chiyuki Fujito" I'm wondering if I can send over my portfolio for you to review.
Would that be all right?
Just a moment, please.
Huh?
The name sounds familiar...
Ah!
"Mille Neige Chiyuki Fujito" Ah!
Oh!
Yes!
I'd love to see it!
I finally got this far.
Now it's all about selling myself.
Hello, are you Ms. Chiyuki Fujito?
Yes, I'm Chiyuki Fujito of Mille Neige.
Thank you for meeting me today.
What? You're tiny!
Oh...
Well...
Niinuma had to run to a last-minute location.
I'm Akasaka. I will take her place today.
It's not Ms. Niinuma...
I've got another appointment, so let's make this quick.
Darn it...
I had my hopes up.
No eye contact... Cold words...
Nothing new.
Pull yourself together!
Hey, you don't look too tiny in these photos.
Yes, my proportions are pretty much the same as a top model.
So as long as it's a static image, it wouldn't negatively affect the brand image.
I may not be useful when the photo is composed of multiple models,
but will you take a look at page 20?
Okay...
Where is this?
I arranged a shoot in a forest.
I hear high fashion brands value synergy with the shoot's location nowadays.
I'm capable of adapting to all sorts of different environments.
So if you can please consider me...
How's her reaction...?
It shouldn't be that bad.
Oh.
Ah!
What?
Ms. Fujito, I have to end our appointment here.
Ms. Igarashi, I apologize for the wait.
A manager from an agency...?
This is the worst timing ever...
Ms. Akasaka, if you'd like, I can meet again...
Please contact us another day.
I will contact you tonight to follow-up.
Who's she?
She's a model from Mille Neige who's looking for work.
I see.
And of course... no answer.
What did I expect? It's nothing new.
Whoa!
Yes! Hello?
Hello, this is Akasaka of MODE JAPAN.
I'm wondering if you were available tomorrow morning?
What?
A model dropped out at the last minute, so I'm wondering if you can join the shoot.
Oh...
Good morning.
Whoa...! I'm sorry.
Oh.
What?
I'm sorry, Ms. Igarashi!
I'm late again.
Wow...
The star of today's shoot...
So beautiful.
...is her.
Next, "Aura."
"See you next time!!"